JKCA lifts age cap, opens senior men’s T20 trials to all

Srinagar, Apr 23: In a significant move aimed at widening participation, the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association has removed the upper age limit for its upcoming Senior Men’s T20 trials, allowing players above 26 years to compete for selection.

The decision, as per the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), comes after the association received multiple representations from players seeking removal of the age cap. Officials of the JKCA, while speaking to Greater Kashmir, said the administration took note of these concerns and subsequently decided to scrap the upper age limit to ensure a more inclusive trial process.

The move has come as a major relief for many aspiring cricketers across the region who are looking to establish themselves in the T20 format.

According to the official notice, there is no change in the last date for submission of applications, which remains April 25, 2026, up to 1:00 PM.

The JKCA in the notification has said that applicants must submit mandatory documents, including a digitised date of birth certificate with a QR code, an updated PVC Aadhaar card or passport, Class 10th and 12th marksheets, a PAN card, and a complete address with district and mobile number. Applications are to be submitted online via email.

However, the association clarified that players who have already participated in the Under-23 men’s trials this season are not eligible for the T20 trials.

JKCA officials further said that the primary criterion for progressing in the selection process will be the physical fitness test. Only those players who qualify for the fitness benchmarks will be allowed to proceed to the next stage of the trials.

The notification further adds that the players who were a part of the U-23 men’s team for season 2025-26 and have become overage are also required to apply for T2o trials for consideration in the current season, stating that ‘no direct entry’ will be permitted.

Meanwhile, cricketers have welcomed the decision. A Srinagar-based player, Touseef Ahmad, said the earlier notification had left him disappointed as he was ineligible due to the age restriction.

“Earlier it was disappointing as the order had nothing to offer us. But now with changes, the upper age limit cap has been removed, and me and others who are above 26 years can participate now,” Touseef said, terming the revised notification a much-needed relief for players like him.

Notably, earlier in a notification this month, JKCA had imposed an upper age limit for the Senior Men’s T20 trials, restricting eligibility to players. The move effectively barred a large section of experienced cricketers above the age of 26 from participating in the trials, leading to disappointment among aspirants who were left without an opportunity to showcase their skills.